Choosing the best approach to starting the potty training journey can make all the difference in the experience you and your child have. Each method requires a positive attitude and dedication, but most importantly, the proper environment. 

Like most new things, potty training can often be intimidating. Mastering potty training never comes without mess and stressful tantrums, but understanding the proven methods can help ease the frustrations. 

For the full list of potty training tips and tricks, read our TIPS FOR MAKING POTTY TRAINING A SUCCESS blog

BEST METHODS FOR POTTY TRAINING

Although no method is perfect, there are several options to determine what will work best on your child’s potty training journey.

1. The 3-day potty training method: When the child wakes up in the morning, take off their soggy diaper, have them throw it in the trash and make their way to the potty. Dress them in an oversized T-shirt and/or big kid underwear and explain there is no diaper to catch the pee-pee or poop, so they have to put it in the potty. Give them breakfast and an extra drink. Afterwards, lead them to the potty. Continue on your normal schedule with playtime, reading, coloring, and watch cartoons. Have a sippy cup of water within hand’s reach at all times. Walk them to the potty every 15 minutes, all day long, for three days. Cut off all liquids and snacks after dinner while potty training. Complete one final potty mission before bed. Wake the child up halfway through the night to pee (yes, set an alarm). Repeat for the next two days.

   • Pros: Three complete days of spending time watching and interacting with your child.

   • Cons: It’s tough to take time away from work, but you’ll need to be prepared to clear the schedule and stay at home with total focus on potty training.

     
     

2. The 10-day incentives method: This method is much easier to manage when continuing your normal daily routine (i.e. work, school, daycare, etc.). Take a trip to the dollar store and pick out nine small items to reward your child with one incentive each day after a full day of trips to the potty without accidents. On the tenth day, let them pick out a slightly larger incentive to celebrate the end of their training. You can also get incentives like stickers, small candies (lollipops, Smarties, M&M’s, etc.), or extra books or songs before bedtime. Any small token will work as long as they get to celebrate the tenth day of success with something slightly larger. The purpose is to heavily praise their achievements and lay it on thick.

   • Pros: This method is much easier when you can’t take the time to clear the schedule. Kids want prizes and they want to feel good about themselves. The promise of another gold star, along with your adoration, is a great motivator. 

   • Cons: Some wise kids may try to push you to up the ante to an unreasonable level. Don’t fall for it and beware of forming habits that will have to be broken.

     
     

3. The child-signaled method: This method is exactly what it sounds like. If the 10-day method seems like too much work, and the 3-day method seems a bit intense, this method might be for you. Basically, with this method, you wait until your child signals their readiness to be potty trained. Usually, it comes as they feel the pressure from peers or older siblings to get out of diapers and use the potty like a big kid. Once they show interest in using the potty, you show them the ropes, explain how it works and slowly transition them away from diapers as they feel comfortable to do so. 

   • Pros: There are no incentives to buy or habits to break. 

   • Cons: They may be much older than anticipated to start their potty training journey - especially if they are not enrolled in a social program or have siblings around. Also, this method leads your child to decide when you get to remove your diaper budget.

     
     

4. The clockwork method: At this stage, the child probably can’t tell anyone when he or she has the urge to pee or poop, so it’s necessary to schedule in some toilet time. Try placing them on the potty when they wake up in the morning, before and after a nap and before a bath so it builds a routine each day. If asking a child if they have to go potty, they will usually say, ‘No’, so don’t make it a choice. Instead, set a timer and tell the child, “We’re going to sit on the potty when we hear the alarm.” After a few days, a pattern will start to emerge, which should make practice sessions more successful. Remember to still offer lots of praise even if there’s nothing to flush down the bowl.

   • Pros: Accidents are minimal since the child will remain in diapers or pull-ups. 

   • Cons: Be ready for some resistance. Children won’t always want to stop playing for potty practice. And since diapers are still in play, a child won’t be developing “the feeling” as quickly. 

     
     

5. The underpants experiment method: It’s a big milestone in every child’s life to get their first pair of underwear. When starting this method, wait on the cute character pairs and save the fun options for a big reward when training is complete. Purchase plain white training underwear that are slightly padded to absorb some liquid and have the child wear them for short amounts of time around the house. Hype up those special undies until you sound ridiculous and your child will be rushing to slip them on.

   • Pros: When a pee or poop happens in underwear, the child finally understands what it feels like and will think it’s uncomfortable. Then they will be more inclined to use the toilet rather than feeling wet again.

   • Cons: There will be accidents on the floor. Accept it and move on. Don’t scold them, simply explain what happened and ask them to communicate if they have to potty again.

     
     

6. The naked weekend method: Let the child run wild and hang free! If it’s warm enough outside, let them play with you out in the backyard totally nude and encourage them to drink some extra water. Like experimenting with underwear, once they feel a trickle rolling down their leg, it’s sure to create an “Aha!” moment.

   • Pros: Being out in the sunshine naked may require lots of sunscreen but it’s great for their attitude and health. Plus, what kid doesn’t love playing outside!

   • Cons: This is not for parents who are totally uncomfortable with having their kids naked anywhere but the bathtub. It’s also not for kids who might love the idea of spraying the grass with their pee. 

     
     

7. The little bit of everything method: Take what works for you from each method because we know your child is unique and special in their own way. Grab the timer, buy the underwear, get them naked, spend time outside, offer the rewards and enjoy the adventure you embark on with your child. Whether it takes a weekend or several weeks, they are only a toddler once. So embrace the process and cherish the memories made along the way!

   • Pros: This combines multiple strategies — something has to work, right?

   • Cons: It takes time to find out which areas work best. Merging different aspects from each method can often extend any training process when you aren’t teaching a specific set of rules.

Ready to introduce potty training? Check out Let’s Talk POTTY TRAINING by Sophisticated Standards.

You won’t find any “perfect” age or “quick” method to teaching a child to use the potty. Some children potty train in a day, while others need months of prep work. Make the experience you and your child have enjoyable while being effective in teaching a new skill. Each method requires the teacher’s enthusiastic praise, patience, and consistency, so embrace the adventure and take the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Already started your potty training journey but having problems? Check out our HOW TO SOLVE COMMON POTTY TRAINING PROBLEMS blog

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